September 2007

By FRANK M. JOHNSON, Mayor of Mt. Airy
As published Sept. 5, 2007

Thanks again to the Messenger for including this report. I hope it is helpful as a quick update of some town activities.

1. Water Conservation.

Rain Barrels. Out of more than 100 rain barrels the town has purchased, there are only a few still available for $20 to residents who must agree to use them at their residence in town. Contact town hall if you are interested - supplies are limited. We thank the Citizens for a Green Mt. Airy, and Tim Richards, for their help in assembling the rain barrels and arranging for delivery.

Free Water Saving Items. The town also has a large stock of water saving items available - without charge - to residents for use at their residences in town. Items include water saving shower heads, kitchen and bathroom aerators, shower timers, and a few water saving items for toilets.

Water Stealing. Some may not be aware that taking water from hydrants is, except for fire and rescue or town vehicles, a violation of the town code, and carries a $500 fine. The town is working with the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company and our own staff to consider options for better security for its 350-plus fire hydrants. (A few ideas have been suggested, but no option has yet been singled out as the best.)

While it has been suggested that citizens can effectively police water stealing, the reality is that water stealing tends to happen late at night. Even so, citizens seeing anyone taking water from hydrants should call town hall or the police. Just a tag number will help. In fact, I will be happy to offer a reward to any citizens who turn in a violation that leads to a fine. Beyond this, broader notification of the fine is also being considered.

For example, several signs, about the size of a speed limit sign, are being considered for placement on main roads coming into town. These would be paid for not from taxpayer dollars, but from fines already imposed this year.

2. Budget.

Although Fiscal Year 2008 is only a few months old, preparation for Fiscal Year 2009 is beginning. As the second year of the 5-year plan (which will now extend to 2012) much work has already been completed, but figures for specific line items will be reconsidered, as well as priorities.

The overall goals of the budget were to divide operating and capital budgets, provide specific revenues for the capital budget which ensure that new development pays a larger share of those costs, and take steps to continue to keep property taxes and water and sewer rates low.

3. Noise Ordinance Updates.

Experience is a great teacher. We should use our experience as we enforce various laws and make changes where needed to make them more effective. The noise ordinance is one such law. There are some suggestions that will better clarify exemptions and the basis of complaints, but also clarify protections that are available for residents. These proposals are likely to be raised at future council meetings.

4. School Advocacy.

The Mt. Airy community has always had to struggle for better schools for the community. In both counties, that struggle continues today. A proposed renewal of the Schools Task Force was put on hold at the August council meeting as members of the council were undecided what priorities to focus on.

In the meantime, school capital planning continues in both counties. If the council can reach some level of consensus, there is hope that a renewed Task Force can be established at the September meeting.

5. Growth Task Force Survey.

This is the town's community survey which will ask for your preferences for future growth and development, basic town services and community goals. It will be coming within weeks. We hope for a high rate of return and ask everyone to return the survey by mail or by going to the town website, www.carr.org/mtairy.